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Ten Commandments List

The Ten Commandments were written by God upon two tablets of stone and then given to Moses on Mount Sinai. The record of the Ten Commandments can be found in the Bible, both in Exodus 20:2-17 and Deuteronomy 5:6-21.
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Ten Commandments list & meaning

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Ten Commandments meaning

1. You shall have no other gods before Me

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:3: “You shall have no other gods before Me.”

Explanation: Do we still need this commandment? We certainly do. Whatever holds the supreme place in a person’s life is a god.

The story is told that in a certain museum in China there was an exhibit called "The American God." And what do you suppose it was? A dollar bill, neatly framed.

It is strange how modern men turn away from the living God, who is revealed in nature and the Bible, and invent imaginary gods to fit their unbelieving hearts.

In his book, God and the Cosmos, Dr. Theodore Graebner tells us that some who set themselves up as teachers–many even as religious teachers–say that God is merely “the spirit of the community” (Page 30). One of these modern leaders says, “God is myself” (Page 23). Another says that he worships man (Page 19).

How would you like to pray to "the spirit of the community" or pray to yourself or to mankind in general? These are some of the false gods proclaimed by the wise men of today.

Some worship pleasure; others, reason, philosophy, or business. But all these things are as imperfect as humans themselves, and those who trust in them will be left at last without a light in the vacant and dark night, until the words of the first commandment meet them in the judgment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.”

2. You shall make no idols

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:4-6: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.”

Explanation: Is there anything wrong with this commandment? Millions in the world need to hear this commandment. Jesus said in John 4:24, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

All representations of the true God or false deities for the purpose of worship are forbidden. An idol image degrades God and it degrades man. God's jealousy against false gods is but infinite love which allows no rival for our heart's affection.

3. You shall not take the Lord’s name in vain

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:7: “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

Explanation: Has the world advanced so far that we do not need this commandment any more? Has all profanity ceased? Have men–and women and children, too–ceased to take God’s name in vain? Have they at last learned to honor the holy name of our Saviour?

How many millions violate this commandment every day! And how many do about the same thing with common slang! Let us remember what Jesus said to some careless talkers of His day.

It is recorded in Matthew 12:36, 37, “But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

4. Keep the Sabbath day holy

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:8-11: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.”

Explanation: We seem to always be busy and need physical rest and spiritual rest. We need the Sabbath or God would not have made it for us. Jesus said that it was “made for man” and that He Himself is the Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:27, 28).

The Sabbath is the memorial of His creative work, and it is also a test of man’s willingness to recognize his Creator’s first claim to his time. Wherever we are and whether we regard God’s holy day or not the commandment is still there. Do you recognize and observe it in your home?

5. Honor your father and your mother

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.”

Explanation: In Ephesians 6:2, the apostle Paul says that this is “the first commandment with promise” and God will not go back on His promise. Children owe their parents love, obedience, respect, and helpfulness.

Think of the happiness that obedience to this commandment would bring to thousands of homes today! Then every day would be Mother’s Day and every day would be Father’s Day. So, "honor your father and mother.” Disobedience to parents is one of the ominous signs of the last days, according to 2 Timothy 3:1, 2.

6. You shall not murder

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:13: “You shall not murder.”

Explanation: This is the shortest of all the commandments, having one less than the eighth commandment. (Note: according to the King James Version.) God forbids murder, the unlawful taking of human life in private vengance or otherwise.

Do you know that there are many thousands who have broken this commandment living at large in this country. And judging from past records, many thousands who will die at the hands of others.

Crime has become a huge threat to civilization. From the first groan of Abel to the last prayer upon the scaffold, this commandment come thundering into the hearts of men, “Thou shall not murder.”

7. You shall not commit adultery

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:14: “You shall not commit adultery.”

Explanation: Do we need a greater regard for the sanctity of the home today? Do we need more honest obedience to marriage vows? Do we need more husbands and wives true to each other? What is the answer? You know the answer. It is YES! A thousand times yes!

In Luke 17:30, our Saviour predicted that a Sodom-like moral condition would precede His return to this earth. Now is the time for every Christian home to stand as an example of right living.

Remember, you can't write SIN in big letters without the law of God. This seventh commandment must stand, or our civilization will go down in disregarding it. Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, But sin is a reproach to any people.”

8. You shall not steal

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:15: “You shall not steal.”

Explanation: According to police and press reports, the world still needs this commandment. The varieties of thieves are almost endless ranging from mere pickpockets and purse-snatchers, to men who steal widows' homes, children’s education, banks, industries, and the good names of their friends.

Facing all this dishonesty of men are these four words of God… “You shall not steal.”

9. You shall not bear false witness

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:15: “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”

Explanation: This commandment forbids bribery and forgery and even the least suggestion contrary to truth. It forbids libel, slander, and backbiting, and calls for the truth and nothing but the truth.

In Revelation 22:15, we are told that “whoever loves and practices a lie” will be outside the gates of the New Jerusalem, and in Revelation 21:27 “But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.”

10. You shall not covet

“Icon: Bible reference - Exodus 20:15: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

Explanation: In Romans 7:7 the apostle Paul says that he would not have known what sin was, unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” God's commandments point out sin. If Paul needed this commandment, so do we.

Why should you care?

The reason why some people oppose the Ten Commandments is that their lives are out of harmony with God's will as expressed in them. Paul says in Romans 7:12 that “the commandment is holy, and just, and good.” And in verse 14 he says that it is spiritual.

You see, our obligations are not merely to a law, but to Him who enacted that law. God is good, so His commandments are also good. The evil is in us, not in God or in His commandments.

Ten Commandments: King James Version

God's Law, the Ten Commandments, is expressed in Exodus 20:2-17 (KJV) with the following:

“I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

4. Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.

5. Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

6. Thou shalt not kill.

7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.

8. Thou shalt not steal.

9. Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour.

10. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor’s."

What is the background of the Ten Commandments?

Soon after the encampment at Sinai, Moses was called up into the mountain to meet with God.

Alone he climbed the steep and rugged path, and drew near to the cloud that marked the place of Jehovah's presence. Israel was now to be taken into a close and peculiar relation to the Most High--to be incorporated as a church and a nation under the government of God. The message to Moses for the people was:

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"Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto Myself. Now therefore, if ye will obey My voice indeed, and keep My covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto Me above all people: for all the earth is Mine: and ye shall be unto Me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation."

Moses returned to the camp, and having summoned the elders of Israel, he repeated to them the divine message. Their answer was, "All that the Lord hath spoken we will do." Thus they entered into a solemn covenant with God, pledging themselves to accept Him as their ruler, by which they became, in a special sense, the subjects of His authority.

Again their leader ascended the mountain, and the Lord said unto him, "Lo, I come unto thee in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with thee, and believe thee forever." When they met with difficulties in the way, they were disposed to murmur against Moses and Aaron, and accuse them of leading the hosts of Israel from Egypt to destroy them. The Lord would honor Moses before them, that they might be led to confide in his instructions.

God purposed to make the occasion of speaking His law a scene of awful grandeur, in keeping with its exalted character. The people were to be impressed that everything connected with the service of God must be regarded with the greatest reverence.

The Lord said to Moses, "Go unto the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes, and be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon Mount Sinai." During these intervening days all were to occupy the time in solemn preparation to appear before God. Their person and their clothing must be freed from impurity. And as Moses should point out their sins, they were to devote themselves to humiliation, fasting, and prayer, that their hearts might be cleansed from iniquity.

The preparations were made, according to the command; and in obedience to a further injunction, Moses directed that a barrier be placed about the mount, that neither man nor beast might intrude upon the sacred precinct. If any ventured so much as to touch it, the penalty was instant death.

On the morning of the third day, as the eyes of all the people were turned toward the mount, its summit was covered with a thick cloud, which grew more black and dense, sweeping downward until the entire mountain was wrapped in darkness and awful mystery. Then a sound as of a trumpet was heard, summoning the people to meet with God; and Moses led them forth to the base of the mountain. From the thick darkness flashed vivid lightning, while peals of thunder echoed and re-echoed among the surrounding heights. "And Mount Sinai was altogether on a smoke, because the Lord descended upon it in fire: and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly." "The glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount" in the sight of the assembled multitude. And "the voice of the trumpet sounded long, and waxed louder and louder." So terrible were the tokens of Jehovah's presence that the hosts of Israel shook with fear, and fell upon their faces before the Lord. Even Moses exclaimed, "I exceedingly fear and quake." Hebrews 12:21.

And now the thunders ceased; the trumpet was no longer heard; the earth was still. There was a period of solemn silence, and then the voice of God was heard. Speaking out of the thick darkness that enshrouded Him, as He stood upon the mount, surrounded by a retinue of angels, the Lord made known His law. Moses, describing the scene, says: "The Lord came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; He shined forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints: from His right hand went a fiery law for them. Yea, He loved the people; all His saints are in Thy hand: and they sat down at Thy feet; every one shall receive of Thy words." Deuteronomy 33:2, 3.

Jehovah revealed Himself, not alone in the awful majesty of the judge and lawgiver, but as the compassionate guardian of His people: "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." He whom they had already known as their Guide and Deliverer, who had brought them forth from Egypt, making a way for them through the sea, and overthrowing Pharaoh and his hosts, who had thus shown Himself to be above all the gods of Egypt--He it was who now spoke His law.

The law was not spoken at this time exclusively for the benefit of the Hebrews. God honored them by making them the guardians and keepers of His law, but it was to be held as a sacred trust for the whole world. The precepts of the Decalogue are adapted to all mankind, and they were given for the instruction and government of all. Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the duty of man to God and to his fellow man; and all based upon the great fundamental principle of love. "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself." Luke 10:27. See also Deuteronomy 6:4, 5; Leviticus 19:18. In the Ten Commandments these principles are carried out in detail, and made applicable to the condition and circumstances of man.

Commandment 1: "Thou shalt have no other gods before Me."

Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, uncreated One, Himself the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his affections or his service. Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god.

Commandment 2: "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them."

The second commandment forbids the worship of the true God by images or similitude. Many heathen nations claimed that their images were mere figures or symbols by which the Deity was worshiped, but God has declared such worship to be sin. The attempt to represent the Eternal One by material objects would lower man's conception of God. The mind, turned away from the infinite perfection of Jehovah, would be attracted to the creature rather than to the Creator. And as his conceptions of God were lowered, so would man become degraded.

"I the Lord thy God am a jealous God.Visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate Me. Showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep My commandments."

The close and sacred relation of God to His people is represented under the figure of marriage. Idolatry being spiritual adultery, the displeasure of God against it is fitly called jealousy.

It is inevitable that children should suffer from the consequences of parental wrongdoing, but they are not punished for the parents' guilt, except as they participate in their sins. It is usually the case, however, that children walk in the steps of their parents. By inheritance and example the sons become partakers of the father's sin. Wrong tendencies, perverted appetites, and debased morals, as well as physical disease and degeneracy, are transmitted as a legacy from father to son, to the third and fourth generation. This fearful truth should have a solemn power to restrain men from following a course of sin.

In prohibiting the worship of false gods, the second commandment by implication enjoins the worship of the true God. And to those who are faithful in His service, mercy is promised, not merely to the third and fourth generation as is the wrath threatened against those who hate Him, but to thousands of generations.

Commandment 3: "Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain."

This commandment not only prohibits false oaths and common swearing, but it forbids us to use the name of God in a light or careless manner, without regard to its awful significance. By the thoughtless mention of God in common conversation, by appeals to Him in trivial matters, and by the frequent and thoughtless repetition of His name, we dishonor Him. "Holy and reverend is His name." Psalm 111:9. All should meditate upon His majesty, His purity and holiness, that the heart may be impressed with a sense of His exalted character; and His holy name should be uttered with reverence and solemnity.

Commandment 4: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it."

The Sabbath is not introduced as a new institution but as having been founded at creation. It is to be remembered and observed as the memorial of the Creator's work. Pointing to God as the Maker of the heavens and the earth, it distinguishes the true God from all false gods. All who keep the seventh day signify by this act that they are worshipers of Jehovah. Thus the Sabbath is the sign of man's allegiance to God as long as there are any upon the earth to serve Him. The fourth commandment is the only one of all the ten in which are found both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It is the only one that shows by whose authority the law is given. Thus it contains the seal of God, affixed to His law as evidence of its authenticity and binding force.

God has given me six days wherein to labor, and He requires that their own work be done in the six working days. Acts of necessity and mercy are permitted on the Sabbath, the sick and suffering are at all times to be cared for; but unnecessary labor is to be strictly avoided. "Turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and . . . honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure." Isaiah 58:13. Nor does the prohibition end here. "Nor speaking thine own words," says the prophet. Those who discuss business matters or lay plans on the Sabbath are regarded by God as though engaged in the actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character. And the commandment includes all within our gates. The inmates of the house are to lay aside their worldly business during the sacred hours. All should unite to honor God by willing service upon His holy day.

Commandment 5: "Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

Parents are entitled to a degree of love and respect which is due to no other person. God Himself, who has placed upon them a responsibility for the souls committed to their charge, has ordained that during the earlier years of life, parents shall stand in the place of God to their children. And he who rejects the rightful authority of his parents is rejecting the authority of God. The fifth commandment requires children not only to yield respect, submission, and obedience to their parents, but also to give them love and tenderness, to lighten their cares, to guard their reputation, and to succor and comfort them in old age. It also enjoins respect for ministers and rulers and for all others to whom God has delegated authority.

This, says the apostle, "is the first commandment with promise." Ephesians 6:2. To Israel, expecting soon to enter Canaan, it was a pledge to the obedient, of long life in that good, land; but it has a wider meaning, including all the Israel of God, and promising eternal life upon the earth when it shall be freed from the curse of sin.

Commandment 6: "Thou shalt not kill."

All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for "whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer"); a selfish neglect of caring for the needy or suffering; all self-indulgence or unnecessary deprivation or excessive labor that tends to injure health--all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth commandment.

Commandment 7: "Thou shalt not commit adultery."

This commandment forbids not only acts of impurity, but sensual thoughts and desires, or any practice that tends to excite them. Purity is demanded not only in the outward life but in the secret intents and emotions of the heart. Christ, who taught the far-reaching obligation of the law of God, declared the evil thought or look to be as truly sin as is the unlawful deed.

Commandment 8: "Thou shalt not steal."

Both public and private sins are included in this prohibition. The eighth commandment condemns man stealing and slave dealing, and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery. It demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life. It forbids overreaching in trade, and requires the payment of just debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to advantage oneself by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another is registered as fraud in the books of heaven.

Commandment 9: "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor."

False speaking in any matter, every attempt or purpose to deceive our neighbor, is here included. An intention to deceive is what constitutes falsehood. By a glance of the eye, a motion of the hand, an expression of the countenance, a falsehood may be told as effectually as by words. All intentional overstatement, every hint or insinuation calculated to convey an erroneous or exaggerated impression, even the statement of facts in such a manner as to mislead, is falsehood. This precept forbids every effort to injure our neighbor's reputation by misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slander or tale bearing. Even the intentional suppression of truth, by which injury may result to others, is a violation of the ninth commandment.

Commandment 10: "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is thy neighbor's."

The tenth commandment strikes at the very root of all sins, prohibiting the selfish desire, from which springs the sinful act. He who in obedience to God's law refrains from indulging even a sinful desire for that which belongs to another will not be guilty of an act of wrong toward his fellow creatures.

Such were the sacred precepts of the Decalogue, spoken amid thunder and flame, and with a wonderful display of the power and majesty of the great Lawgiver. God accompanied the proclamation of His law with exhibitions of His power and glory, that His people might never forget the scene, and that they might be impressed with profound veneration for the Author of the law, the Creator of heaven and earth. He would also show to all men the sacredness, the importance, and the permanence of His law

Adapted from a book entitled Patriarchs and Prophets.

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HOME / BIBLE QUESTIONS / SALVATION / WHAT MUST I DO TO BE SAVED?

What must I do to be saved?

First of all, a man must feel his need of salvation and know that without Christ he is lost.

He must be ready to pray the only prayer a sinner can pray and expect to be heard. "God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). A man must recognize that there is a God—that he has sinned against God—and that God is the Moral Governor of the world. He must acknowledge that God is merciful—that man has no merit, of his own— and he must trust in God's forgiveness.

Who saves me from my sin?

But someone must pay the sinner's debt before the Divine law, for he is helpless and powerless to pay it himself. "The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Jesus, God's Son, died upon the cross in the sinner's place. God has accepted the sacrifice of His Son—our Lord Jesus Christ—on our behalf. Therefore, it remains only for us—free moral agents that we are—to admit our sins and to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior. Romans 10:10 says, "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

Believe with the heart—no mental reservations. We just throw our helpless souls on Him.
Confess our sins to Him, and confess our faith in Him.
Call upon God in prayer.

Let nothing hold you back

Romans 10:13 says,  “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Let nothing hold you back. Let no person, or thing, keep you away from the loving Savior. Some who have been church members for years have never found salvation. They live merely formal Christian lives. But you are dissatisfied if you are not a real Christian. And there is something better for every dissatisfied heart.

Romans 10:17  says, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Take the Gospel of John and read it slowly—and pray as you read. Your faith will increase. Faith comes by hearing the voice of God in His Word. God will hear your prayers, and the Holy Spirit will come into your heart.

Salvation: God's power or my power?

Don't say, "others don’t know how hard it is to break my habits—they have never experienced them.” That's not the question at all. The question is: Does God know how hard it is? Can God help me? Can God give me the victory? Does God know how hard it is for me to break with sin?

Of course He knows! He has delivered thousands who were in a worse state than you are. And He "is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us" (Ephesians 3:20). God has power. Do not worry about His ability to save you. The big question is: Are you willing to surrender  to Him, and to ask Him, in the name of Christ, to set you free? Are you willing to  let go and let God?

Pray to God

If so, will you bow your head right now and pray this prayer with me—pray it from the bottom of your heart:

O God, I surrender. In the name of Your Son Jesus Christ, forgive my sins. Make  me what I should be. Take my life—all of it—and use me in Your holy service. In Christ's name. Amen!

Now, privately—alone with God—kneel down and tell God all your problems—confess your sins to Him—talk aloud to Him, as a little child—and believe He has forgiven you. 1 John 1:9  says, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Have you confessed your sins? Yes, you say. Then, has God forgiven you? Has He? Why, of course He has, and you are to rest on this promise and believe it—no matter how you feel. And, remember, the we are praying for you.

"Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
—E. A. Hoffman

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HOME / BIBLE QUESTIONS / SPIRITUAL GROWTH / ARMOR OF GOD: WHAT IS IT?

Armor of God: What is it?

The armor of God, found in Ephesians 6:10-18, is made up of the following six items:

the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit. A list and description of the full armor of God can be found below.

Armor of God List

We do not wrestle against flesh and blood

The Bible often illustrates the Christian life as a battle against sin and Satan. We are soldiers of Christ in a spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10:3, 4; 2 Timothy 2:3, 4). As Scripture says, “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against . . . spiritual hosts of wickedness” (Ephesians 6:12). That’s why the apostle Paul encourages Christians to “put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (verse 11).

Let’s take a look at each piece of this spiritual armor and see how it can enable us to be victorious as soldiers for Christ in our battle against the “spiritual hosts of wickedness.”

1. Belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14)

Belt of Truth

“Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth,” Paul says. Truth is the belt that holds all the other pieces of the armor in place. There are two ways in which truth is a part of the armor of God.

First, it refers to the truths of Scripture as opposed to the lies of Satan. Satan is the father of lies (John 8:44). Jesus said, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (verse 32). The great truths of the Bible—the love of God, salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, the Second Coming, forgiveness of sin, grace and power to live for Jesus—these truths set us free from Satan’s lies. Satan would have us believe that we are sinful, lost, and without hope. The truth is that God’s love and salvation has set us free from sin and death.

The second way that truth serves as a belt, holding together the full armor of God, is our personal commitment to truth—to living a life that is upright, transparent, and without deceit. Integrity and honesty are vital to your Christian life. People should know that they can depend on you to be a person of truth and principle.

2. Breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)

Breastplate of Righteousness

The breastplate covers the heart and shields it and the other vital organs. The Bible says, “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). That is what Christ’s righteousness does for you. It protects you against all of Satan’s accusations and charges. This righteousness is not made up of the good deeds you do. The Bible is clear that none of us are righteous in ourselves (Romans 3:10).

The breastplate of righteousness is entirely the righteousness of Jesus which He gives us freely when we accept Him as our Savior (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 2:8, 9; Philippians 3:9). It is Christ’s righteousness—not our own righteousness—that covers and protects us.

3. Shoes of the gospel (Ephesians 6:15)

Shoes of the Gospel

Soldiers marching into battle must have comfortable shoes. As soldiers of Christ, we must put on “gospel shoes” that will allow us to march wherever our Lord leads. The apostle John says, “He who says he abides in Him [Jesus] ought himself also to walk just as He [Jesus] walked” (1 John 2:6). Jesus said, “My sheep hear My voice, . . . and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Satan will try to place obstacles in our path, but in Jesus’ strength we can walk forward, following our Lord, obeying Him, and advancing the gospel.

4. Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)

Shield of Faith

In listing the different pieces of the armor of God, Paul says, “Above all, . . . [take] the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16). When Satan attacks with doubts, the shield of faith turns aside the blow. When temptations come, faith keeps us steadfast in following Jesus. We are able to withstand all the devil’s fiery darts, because we know whom we have believed (2 Timothy 3:12).

This faith is not something that comes from within us. It is God’s gift to us. He gives each of us a measure of faith (Romans 12:3). Then as we walk with Him, that faith grows and develops until it becomes a shield, protecting us and allowing us to live a victorious life in Christ. This was Paul’s experience. He said, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). And at the end of that life of faith, he declared, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). That can be your experience as well, as you use the shield of faith to turn aside everything Satan hurls at you.

5. Helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)

Helmet of Salvation

The helmet protects the head—perhaps the most vital part of the body since it is the seat of thought and the mind. When we have a sure knowledge of our salvation, we will not be moved by Satan’s deceptions. When we are certain that we are in Christ with our sins forgiven, we will have a peace that nothing can disturb.

Can we be certain of our salvation? Can we be sure?

Yes. “If we confess our sins, He [Jesus] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life” (1 John 5:11, 12).

6. Sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17)

Sword of the Spirit

The sword of the spirit is the only weapon of offense listed in the armor of God. All the other parts are defensive in nature. God’s Word—the Bible—is described as “living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). Jesus used this weapon when Satan tempted Him in the wilderness. To each of Satan’s efforts to lead Him into sin, Jesus replied, “it is written. . . “ and proceeded to quote Scripture to destroy Satan’s temptations. God’s Word is truth (John 17:17). That is why it is so powerful. That is why it is so important that we study the Bible and become familiar with its truths and its power. David wrote, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The sword of God’s Word both protects us and destroys our enemy—the devil and his temptations.

7. Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)

Although prayer is not one of the pieces of the whole armor of God, yet Paul closes his list by saying, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:18). Even when you are clothed with the armor of God, you need to bathe it all in prayer. Prayer brings you into communion and fellowship with God so that His armor can protect you.

8. How do you put on the whole armor of God?

It isn’t as difficult as you might think. All the pieces of the armor are found in a relationship with Jesus. Paul said it like this: “Put on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 13:14). When you give yourself to Jesus and “put on” His righteousness, you are clothed in the whole armor of God.

Do you sometimes feel weak? Do you find yourself giving in to temptation when you really want to overcome? Are you ever discouraged? We all face these moments. But clothed in the whole armor God, the weakest of His children is more than a match for Satan. In Jesus, clothed in God’s invincible armor, you will “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” You will “be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10, 11).

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HOME / BIBLE TOPICS / SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Spiritual Growth

God promises to stay involved in the life-long process of spiritual growth.

It's in the Bible, Philippians 1:6, NKJV. “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

Jesus is the source of spiritual growth. It's in the Bible, Colossians 2:6-7, TLB. “And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust Him, too, for each day's problems; live in vital union with Him. Let your roots grow down into Him and draw up nourishment from Him. See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all He has done.”

We should be growing more like Jesus daily. It’s in the Bible, 2 Peter 1:5-8, NIV. “Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

How to grow spiritually

We cannot grow without staying connected to Jesus. It's in the Bible, John 15:4-5, NKJV. “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

How can I stay connected to Jesus? Read the Bible. It's in the Bible, John 5:39, NKJV. “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”

The Scriptures were written to help us learn and grow in faith. It's in the Bible, Romans 15:4, NKJV. “For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.”

God's Word is light to guide and lead us from darkness. It's in the Bible, 2 Peter 1:19, ESV. “And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.”

Keep Bible verses in your mind to fight sin. It's in the Bible, Psalm 119:11, NKJV. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.”

What is another way to grow spiritually? Time in prayer with God. It's in the Bible, Philippians 4:6-7, NKJV. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Browse: Learn about the serenity prayer?

Prayer is needed to build your faith. It's in the Bible, Jude 1:20-21, NKJV. “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”

Spiritual growth and trials

Trials can bring about spiritual growth. It’s in the Bible, Hebrews 12:7-11, NIV. “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

“We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3, 4, NIV).

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1:2-4, NIV).

We can grow spiritually by looking to Jesus. It’s in the Bible, 2 Corinthians 3:18, NKJV. “We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory.”

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God Help Me: Find help in every time of need

Have you ever cried out, "God help me!" Remember God knows all the troubles and problems that you face.

His promises cover the entire range of our needs, troubles, and problems. He wants us to lay hold on these promises for help in every time of need. I don't know your problems, troubles, difficulties, and needs. But this I do know. You have a hundred percent coverage in God's promises as recorded in the Bible. They extend the needed help for every conceivable difficulty. They help when the outlook appears utterly hopeless.

These promises are as essential for Christian living, as food and drink are for physical life. Very few realize this. If believers understood this, they would appreciate them in every day living.
Related Article: The armor of God

Think about these four possibilities that the promises of God can do for you, written by a gifted writer in Ministry of Healing, p 122:

Our Source of Power

"It is in these promises that Christ communicates to us His grace and power."
"Received, assimilated, they are to be the strength of the character; the inspiration and sustenance of life."
"Nothing else can have such healing power."
"Nothing besides can impart the courage and the faith which give vital energy to the whole being."

Is there anything else within your reach that has such potential? What a tremendous loss people experience when they short change themselves by failing to lay hold on these promises!

Do you want faith to give vital energy to your entire being? Do you want healing power, and inspiration to really live? Become acquainted with the promises of God as recorded in the Bible.

—These promises are as essential for Christian living, as food and drink are for physical life.—

Then enter into fulfillment of them in your life. It is tragic that so many who profess to follow Christ are ignorant of the very promises, which would give them what they need most. Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.”

Activating God’s Help in Our Christian Lives

We certainly need to know what is offered to us in God’s promises. Also where to locate them. We will list some which need to be considered from four angles. For solving some of your problems. For supplying your spiritual needs. For power for Christian living. For attaining your deepest desires.

One scripture is quoted on each item. Additional references are listed in parentheses in some instances. Carefully consider them.

Forgiveness of all your sins and freedom from guilt:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9. (Psalms 32:5,6; Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:7)

For being reconstructed spiritually, or born again, so you can live a new life of righteousness and obedience: “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them: I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh. Then they will follow My decrees and be careful to keep my laws. They will be My people, and I will be their God.” Ezekiel 11:19-20.

For peace of mind:
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

A remedy for loneliness and boredom:
"Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

When you are tormented with fears:
“Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.” Isaiah 12:2

For making the sinful past right in the sight of God:
“Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” Romans 4:7-8

For salvation:
“Therefore, He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.” Hebrews 7:25

For guidance in perplexity:
“In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6

For every trying situation:
“My grace is sufficient for you.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

For insecurity and frustration:
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27

When you are weary:
“Come unto Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

When the load seems heavy:
“Cast all your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” Psalms 55:22

When you face an unusually hard day:
“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They shall soar on wings like eagles.” Isaiah 40:31

For the indwelling of Jesus to make your life right:
“If anyone loves Me, he will obey My teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23

For being truly happy:
“I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” John 15:11

For the more abundant life:
“If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit.” John 15:5

For needed help and strength:
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10

When confused and upset:
“And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.” Isaiah 32:17 (John 14:1,26)

When discouraged:
“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.” Psalms 31:24

For deliverance from distress and trouble:
“Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them from their distress.” Psalms 107:13

For long-held grudges, ill-will, hate, and resentment against others:
“And when you stand praying if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25

When worried about the outcome:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28

For victory over sin:
“For every child of God can obey Him, Defeating sin and evil pleasure by trusting Christ to help him.” 1 John 5:4

For living forever in happiness:
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.” John 3:36

Holding God’s Hand in Our Time of Need

Praise God for such provision! What a helping hand they extend! They reveal how your God is reaching His strong and loving hand to grasp your weak and trembling hand.

“May God help us to gather up the jewels of His promises, and deck memory’s hall with the gems of His Word. We should be armed with the promises of God. Our souls should be barricaded with them. When Satan comes in with his darkness and seeks to fill up my soul with gloom I repeat some precious promise of God…As I do this the light of the glory of God fills my soul” Ellen G White, in the Review and Herald, March 11, 1890 (emphasis supplied).

When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Comforter will bring to your remembrance the appropriate promises for your comfort, and help. Keep your heart full of the promises of God. Then where will be no room for doubt, fear, frustration and discouragement to come in. Problems will be solved as the rising sun absorbs the darkness.

“Talk faith, live faith, and in the face of every discouragement plant yourselves on the promises of God.” (Ibid., May 6, 1890).

Why Aren’t We Finding God’s Help?

Every one of these promises is an invitation to use it in prayer for needed help in these respective situations. Of course they cannot help you unless you apply them by faith and prayer. The vast majority of church members never use these promises in prayer.

This reveals why they don’t enjoy a true Christian life. Those who are familiar with some of these promises use them only to a limited degree. This is why they come short of having the continuing help which they so urgently need.

Unlocking Heaven’s Storehouse

Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse. But the right key does not give admittance unless you use it. You need to know how to insert it into the lock. Then do it. So it is with promise-based prayers for the sure answers.

Follow this four-step procedure, and it will bring results

Find the promise of God in your Bible that offers what you need at that particular time.
By the grace of God meet the condition in the promise. Do your part. One important factor is to believe with all your heart that God will do for you exactly what He says in this promise.
Take this promise to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to do for you as specified in the promise.
As you ask God to fulfill His promise, believe that He does it as that moment. Believe that you receive what you requested according to His promise. In some cases it may be a matter of believing that what He has promised will come to you when you need it. But in such cases you have the gift in His sure promise.

This is how to pray and be sure that you receive what you pray for. This kind of prayer can revolutionize your life for a better and happier experience. Apply it. Then you can ask God for peace, help, courage, strength, and victory, and always receive help. Why limp along in spiritual weakness when by applying God’s promises in prayer you may have your needs supplied to the full!

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God’s Bible Promises

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Wednesday, 21 April 2021

THE 10 COMMANDMENTS

Ten Commandments List

Ten Commandments list & meaning

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10 Commandments video

Ten Commandments meaning

1. You shall have no other gods before Me

2. You shall make no idols

3. You shall not take the Lord’s name in vain

4. Keep the Sabbath day holy

5. Honor your father and your mother

6. You shall not murder

7. You shall not commit adultery

8. You shall not steal

9. You shall not bear false witness

10. You shall not covet

Why should you care?

Ten Commandments: King James Version

What is the background of the Ten Commandments?

What must I do to be saved?

Who saves me from my sin?

Let nothing hold you back

Salvation: God's power or my power?

Pray to God

Armor of God: What is it?

Armor of God List

We do not wrestle against flesh and blood

1. Belt of truth (Ephesians 6:14)

2. Breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14)

3. Shoes of the gospel (Ephesians 6:15)

4. Shield of faith (Ephesians 6:16)

5. Helmet of salvation (Ephesians 6:17)

6. Sword of the spirit (Ephesians 6:17)

7. Prayer (Ephesians 6:18)

8. How do you put on the whole armor of God?

Spiritual Growth

How to grow spiritually

Spiritual growth and trials

God Help Me: Find help in every time of need

Our Source of Power

Activating God’s Help in Our Christian Lives

Holding God’s Hand in Our Time of Need

Why Aren’t We Finding God’s Help?

Unlocking Heaven’s Storehouse

Follow this four-step procedure, and it will bring results

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